We are in the last week of my Mom's visit. I'll be taking her home next Thursday. The plan is to do a "turn-around" trip -- delivering her to her home, picking up a few groceries, then returning to our home. Should be about an 8 hour event but we will sleep in our own bed and be down to only one dog. Joy!
This morning we went shopping -- "we" included Vic, who is spending the day with us while her mom has some adult time with friends. (The "adults" went tubing down the Comal River. The Comal is the shortest river in Texas and one of the only ones with enough water for tubing thanks to this horrible drought.)
We went to Palais Royale for some shopping -- Vic got two new knit tops and Mama (my Mom) got a new black blazer and a purple plaid blouse. She is so pleased with her new clothing!
After shopping we stopped at Taco Cabana for lunch, and tried the Cabana Bowls. Much like can be gotten at Mission Burrito except smaller and less expensive. Just enough and very tasty.
After lunch we all went home for a brief nap before Vic and her grandpa went to the library to pick up books that were on hold for me. Now I have a large supply of books and will have to find some time to do some extra reading.
I think I may be in trouble -- found out that the nearby Fort Bend County Library is now available to locals in Harris County without paying for the privilege of using it. We don't live in FBC but are just next door. We visited it, got our new cards, and then took home a pile of books. Now I've got books from two different county libraries and it may be hard to keep them separate. Our little nearby town is actually located in three different counties and the area where I live is divided by a county line. Different libraries -- different tax rates, etc. Interesting.
Our new Joann Fabrics is now open but I haven't visited it yet. Perhaps I'll stop by before we take Mom home -- she wanted to see it. We are so pleased that it is finally open, after months of waiting. It is quite a bit closer than the old location. That is a good thing, I think. Closer may result in more purchases and my stash is already toppling over!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Shoeboxes
I've been thinking about shoeboxes today.
Since Mom is staying with us and she doesn't climb stairs well she is in our bedroom and we are upstairs in the guest room. We have our belongings in a suitcase, a laundry basket, and in a shoebox. I took the box up to the bathroom and have odds and ends in it -- makeup, meds, combs, etc. Today I was looking at the box and it brought back memories.
Older readers -- think back. Do you remember using shoeboxes, or did you see them being used? I remember that shoeboxes served a variety of purposes. Back in my youth we didn't jump in the car and go buy a plastic box with a lid and handle. The ubiquitous plastic boxes and baskets that organize our lives today just weren't present then -- we used shoe boxes. I saw shoe boxes used to hold pictures, letters, recipes, patterns, thread or sewing notions, etc. Sometimes the top was fastened by a loop of elastic with a knot in it. More recently I've seen them used to hold cancelled checks (remember those?) In the past few years we have kept various meds in a shoebox on the top shelf of the kitchen cabinet (out of the reach of little ones!)
Baby birds, fluffy baby chicks, and orphaned bunnies might live in a shoe box for a while and in church or school one might made a diorama or a peep show to be viewed through a hole in the end.
What did you use shoe boxes for? What do you use them for today?
Since Mom is staying with us and she doesn't climb stairs well she is in our bedroom and we are upstairs in the guest room. We have our belongings in a suitcase, a laundry basket, and in a shoebox. I took the box up to the bathroom and have odds and ends in it -- makeup, meds, combs, etc. Today I was looking at the box and it brought back memories.
Older readers -- think back. Do you remember using shoeboxes, or did you see them being used? I remember that shoeboxes served a variety of purposes. Back in my youth we didn't jump in the car and go buy a plastic box with a lid and handle. The ubiquitous plastic boxes and baskets that organize our lives today just weren't present then -- we used shoe boxes. I saw shoe boxes used to hold pictures, letters, recipes, patterns, thread or sewing notions, etc. Sometimes the top was fastened by a loop of elastic with a knot in it. More recently I've seen them used to hold cancelled checks (remember those?) In the past few years we have kept various meds in a shoebox on the top shelf of the kitchen cabinet (out of the reach of little ones!)
Baby birds, fluffy baby chicks, and orphaned bunnies might live in a shoe box for a while and in church or school one might made a diorama or a peep show to be viewed through a hole in the end.
What did you use shoe boxes for? What do you use them for today?
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Hello all,
I've been missing a while -- July 3, while she was in church, my Mom (age 89) suffered a mini stroke (TIA.) She said she had a really bad headache and realized that she saw people she knew but she could not think of their names. She gathered her belongings and left the sanctuary, followed by a friend. A couple of other people followed them, recognizing that there was a problem. After a consultation the decision was made to call an ambulance and it wisked her away to a hospital. In the hospital it was determined that she had some vision deficit on her right side which rendered her unable to read. I was home from church, having lunch, when my brother called to let me know what was happening. We threw clothing and assorted necessaries (including the dog) into the car and took off for Austin.
To make a long story short (or is it too late) upon arrival we found her somewhat recovered -- vision had returned as well as ability to read. Her blood pressure had gone down to normal but her headache was still raging. I relieved my brother and his wife, allowing them to go home, and I spent the night in a very uncomfortable recliner. I was sitting there thinking.."there is no way in the world I can sleep in this chair.." and then I woke up two hours later. Mom had been taken off for some tests, (in the middle of the night,) so things had been quiet in the room.
Mom got out of the hospital late Tuesday afternoon. The TIA was diagnosed and various doctors discussed what to do next. Mom has A-Fib and that has a nasty habit of throwing blood clots, which is what had happened.
We visited different doctors, got clearance, a new medication, and came here yesterday. She had been planning a visit, anyway, so we just came on early and the visit will last an extra week or two. She is feeling much, much better, and we are hoping that the new medication will keep her from having other TIA's (this was not her first.)
Anyway, I've been away for a while so I'm going to try to get back in the swing of things. Hope all of you are having a wonderful summer!
I've been missing a while -- July 3, while she was in church, my Mom (age 89) suffered a mini stroke (TIA.) She said she had a really bad headache and realized that she saw people she knew but she could not think of their names. She gathered her belongings and left the sanctuary, followed by a friend. A couple of other people followed them, recognizing that there was a problem. After a consultation the decision was made to call an ambulance and it wisked her away to a hospital. In the hospital it was determined that she had some vision deficit on her right side which rendered her unable to read. I was home from church, having lunch, when my brother called to let me know what was happening. We threw clothing and assorted necessaries (including the dog) into the car and took off for Austin.
To make a long story short (or is it too late) upon arrival we found her somewhat recovered -- vision had returned as well as ability to read. Her blood pressure had gone down to normal but her headache was still raging. I relieved my brother and his wife, allowing them to go home, and I spent the night in a very uncomfortable recliner. I was sitting there thinking.."there is no way in the world I can sleep in this chair.." and then I woke up two hours later. Mom had been taken off for some tests, (in the middle of the night,) so things had been quiet in the room.
Mom got out of the hospital late Tuesday afternoon. The TIA was diagnosed and various doctors discussed what to do next. Mom has A-Fib and that has a nasty habit of throwing blood clots, which is what had happened.
We visited different doctors, got clearance, a new medication, and came here yesterday. She had been planning a visit, anyway, so we just came on early and the visit will last an extra week or two. She is feeling much, much better, and we are hoping that the new medication will keep her from having other TIA's (this was not her first.)
Anyway, I've been away for a while so I'm going to try to get back in the swing of things. Hope all of you are having a wonderful summer!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
New Baby Quilt
The front....
The back...Just finished making this baby quilt last night -- this one will go to the Pregnancy Help Center since it is too small to go to the orphanage in Cambodia. Since most of our fabric is donated we make a lot of scrappy quilts. This was made in an effort to use up a variety of small bird and animal scraps that were part of several donations.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Savannah
During our recent loooong trip we visited Savannah, Georgia. Savannah is a beautiful city and we thoroughly enjoyed seeing the historical district.
I think there is a song that says, "I'm walking to (or through) New Orleans." Well, I was singing, "I'm walking in Savannah!" Even though we took a on and off trolley I still managed to walk quite a bit -- actually, made blisters on both feet!
There are several ways to tour Savannah -- the trolley, as we did, or on foot, by horse drawn carriage, by pedicab (powered by bicycle), or even by Segway (Is that spelled correctly?) Of course, one can also drive through in their own car but you don't get the history that way.
horse-drawn tour....
The Hampton Lillibridge House, believed to be haunted. Sweetie is a descendant of this family so this house was for one of his far-distant cousins. It was designed by a Rhode Island architect and is New England style complete with a widow's walk.
A lovely example of the city archicture -- the two stairways were for women on one side and men on the other (to prevent men from seeing the ankles of the women as they climbed the stairs.)
A memorial to the Haitian soldiers that helped defend Savannah during the civil war. Who knew? I sure didn't.
Crowds waiting to get in to Paula Deen's restaurant. The woman with the apron, triangle and ringer had just announced that the restaurant was open for lunch.
First African Baptist Church, built in 1859 by members of the congregation. The church was started in 1773 and is the oldest Black church in North America. There are tours available but we weren't there at the right times.
I think there is a song that says, "I'm walking to (or through) New Orleans." Well, I was singing, "I'm walking in Savannah!" Even though we took a on and off trolley I still managed to walk quite a bit -- actually, made blisters on both feet!
There are several ways to tour Savannah -- the trolley, as we did, or on foot, by horse drawn carriage, by pedicab (powered by bicycle), or even by Segway (Is that spelled correctly?) Of course, one can also drive through in their own car but you don't get the history that way.
horse-drawn tour....
The Hampton Lillibridge House, believed to be haunted. Sweetie is a descendant of this family so this house was for one of his far-distant cousins. It was designed by a Rhode Island architect and is New England style complete with a widow's walk.
A lovely example of the city archicture -- the two stairways were for women on one side and men on the other (to prevent men from seeing the ankles of the women as they climbed the stairs.)
A memorial to the Haitian soldiers that helped defend Savannah during the civil war. Who knew? I sure didn't.
Crowds waiting to get in to Paula Deen's restaurant. The woman with the apron, triangle and ringer had just announced that the restaurant was open for lunch. 
First African Baptist Church, built in 1859 by members of the congregation. The church was started in 1773 and is the oldest Black church in North America. There are tours available but we weren't there at the right times.There is more from Savannah but this will get you started on your blog tour of this lovely southern city.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Hello,
Do you know about being well intentioned but not being able to follow through with things? Well, I have the best of intentions -- I'm going to blog regularly, I'm going to write wonderful, witty blogs with tremendous pictures. Everyone is going to love to read my blog.
NOT!
Meant to be that way but somehow, it just isn't working out.
Oh, well, I'll just keep on keeping on and write when I can and post pictures when I can. And when I can't, well, I'll have to forgive myself.
Now -- I've had a nice day today. My BFF and I went fabric shopping today and I loved every minute of it. When the clerk was cutting my fabric she asked what I was going to make with it. I told her I didn't have a clue -- I just liked it and wanted to have it. She laughed.
I bought three pieces -- one will be a fleece blanket for my Mom's dog, Zoe. Mom found her a dog bed (cost a quarter at a thrift shop) but it isn't padded like the one Gracie has. Mom put a little cushion in it but I thought I'd make her a little fleece blanket.
The other two pieces are just for fun.
After shopping we went to Souper Salads for lunch and some conversation. I always enjoy talking with her so it was nice. Then we stopped by Kohl's but she didn't find what she wanted and I found I didn't want anything.
After I came home and had a nap I started our dinner -- I stuffed some poblano chilies with a mixture of ground turkey breast, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Topped with some cheese it made a lovely dinner. We finished up some left-over vegetables on the side.
Meanwhile, a crew was in the front and back yards cutting our trees. They had gotten so thick and heavy that people had to duck walking down the sidewalk in front and in the back one of the trees (red oak) was rubbing the roof of the house next door. Now the canopy has been raised on each and they are more open so we may be able to get some grass to grow in the back again. That is, if we can keep enough water on them. We water and water but this drought is just sucking the moisture out of everything.
I hope each of you had a really nice day.
Do you know about being well intentioned but not being able to follow through with things? Well, I have the best of intentions -- I'm going to blog regularly, I'm going to write wonderful, witty blogs with tremendous pictures. Everyone is going to love to read my blog.
NOT!
Meant to be that way but somehow, it just isn't working out.
Oh, well, I'll just keep on keeping on and write when I can and post pictures when I can. And when I can't, well, I'll have to forgive myself.
Now -- I've had a nice day today. My BFF and I went fabric shopping today and I loved every minute of it. When the clerk was cutting my fabric she asked what I was going to make with it. I told her I didn't have a clue -- I just liked it and wanted to have it. She laughed.
I bought three pieces -- one will be a fleece blanket for my Mom's dog, Zoe. Mom found her a dog bed (cost a quarter at a thrift shop) but it isn't padded like the one Gracie has. Mom put a little cushion in it but I thought I'd make her a little fleece blanket.
The other two pieces are just for fun.
After shopping we went to Souper Salads for lunch and some conversation. I always enjoy talking with her so it was nice. Then we stopped by Kohl's but she didn't find what she wanted and I found I didn't want anything.
After I came home and had a nap I started our dinner -- I stuffed some poblano chilies with a mixture of ground turkey breast, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Topped with some cheese it made a lovely dinner. We finished up some left-over vegetables on the side.
Meanwhile, a crew was in the front and back yards cutting our trees. They had gotten so thick and heavy that people had to duck walking down the sidewalk in front and in the back one of the trees (red oak) was rubbing the roof of the house next door. Now the canopy has been raised on each and they are more open so we may be able to get some grass to grow in the back again. That is, if we can keep enough water on them. We water and water but this drought is just sucking the moisture out of everything.
I hope each of you had a really nice day.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Kicking it up a stitch!
This morning our PBS station had Nancy Zieman but not in her regular format. She did a special show called "Kicking it up a stitch." and it was so funny! It was sewing, food, comedy, and music. I loved it!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Good Reading
A "Sears" house!During my road trip I've been reading a series of books written by Christian author named Lauraine Snelling. These books, part of the Daughters of Blessing series, take place in a fictional town named Blessing, North Dakota. I was especially interested in this series because...
They take place in North Dakota and my husband's grandparents came from South Dakota, not that far away.
They mention the building of a flour mill in the town -- Sweetie's Grandfather was a flour miller in the small South Dakota town where his father was born.
In a couple of books it is mentioned that the characters order a house from Sears Roebuck. The house is shipped to them via rail and then is put together, "like a puzzle."
During our visit to Savannah we were shown a "Sears house." I was thrilled to see a house that actually was purchased from Sears -- close to 100 years ago, and still standing. The tour guide mentioned that the windows had been put in upside-down when the house was assembled. They are still upside down 100 years later!
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